1997 Camry Makes a Whoosh Sound While Braking
 

Whenever i am braking and especially if I am in a left turning direction I hear this whoosh sound. The disk feels like it has groves. Are my brakes out?

have the rotors and discs checked without delay
if they are grooved or pads worn out ..cant keep driving it like that

when braking ....is the pedal hard or does it drop away

a woosh might also be a front gas strut leaking or vacuum leak

I second Dirty Hands recommendation.

I jacked up the car and yes the pads are low. I need new brakes.

The current pads were installed around 2008/9. Is this a reasonable time frame for pads life?

I have heard that there are lifetime brakes pads or very long life extended pads. Is this true or a gimmick? Can you shade some light on this?

The time frame from when they were installed seems pretty good. It all really depends on miles and how you drive the car.
I wouldn't waste money on extended life brake pads. I would buy quality brake pads. The long life pads tend have a harder compound. The harder compound can reduce stopping efficiency and generate excess heat that can warp rotors.